MWSU: Quality Education Right Here in St. Joseph

July 12, 2013 6:00 am

Anchored in the northwest corner of the state, Missouri Western State University (MWSU) provides quality education for local residents and those who come from afar. Residents of St. Joseph and surrounding small towns create most of the 6,100 students that attend the University.

As some parents are preparing for a tearful goodbye as they send their children off to college in the fall, some parents in St. Joseph will have their children stay close by. Twenty-three percent of students live on the MWSU campus, meaning that many students are able to commute from home, continue their hometown employment, and not have any separation disruptions in their families. Many of the MWSU students are from the northwest region of Missouri. Starting college alongside local friends and in familiar terrain makes it an easier transition from high school to college life.

MWSU offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees within 75 degree programs. New graduate programs are continually being developed. In Fall 2012, 171 students were enrolled in Graduate programs. MWSU welcomes students of all different backgrounds and at all academic levels. It has the prestige and state support of a public institute, yet has advantages of small colleges. Well-qualified instructors, small class sizes (25 average), and a low student/faculty ratio (18:1) help MWSU provide quality education, so that students aren’t lost among the masses in huge lecture halls.

MWSU offers some distinct professional advantages for its majors. For one, it shares its campus with the Northwest Regional Office of the Missouri Department of Conservation. Biology students have an advantage over other university students as they work alongside professional biologists in fish, forestry, wildlife, and environmental education, and gain hands-on experience throughout their college career.

Students at MWSU benefit from the university’s networks and partnerships with other universities and businesses. Students in the biosciences benefit from the Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator (home of the Institute for Industrial & Applied Life Sciences), while business students benefit from the Craig School of Business’ partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rockhurst University, and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt company.

MWSU also has partnerships in their sports programs. Football players and Kansas City Chiefs fans enjoy the weeks during the Chiefs training camp at the MWSU indoor and outdoor training facility.

Through many professional practice opportunities, students gain their quality education. Student-led programs and projects, like the MWSU newspaper, The Griffon News, offer opportunities to strive for professional excellence while still a student. The Griffon News recently won 23 medals at the Missouri College Media Association awards.

Sometimes the best education can be found in your community’s backyard. Those families in St. Joseph don’t have to travel far to find an excellent university program. MWSU offers students both in-state and out-of-state a world of opportunity.

St. Joseph Economic Development Partnership

Why St. Joseph? Internationally-leading organizations anchoring increased economic development. Low costs for both doing business and quality living. Centrally located in the United States and within minutes of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Fast access to major interstates and a skilled workforce with an outstanding Midwestern work ethic. It’s all right here.Disclaimer: Information contained and attached hereto is for informational purposes only and is not guaranteed for accuracy and legality.